Fighting Breaks Out In China Over Tibet

A Chinese policeman was shot dead while pursuing an “alleged riot leader” in the ethnically Tibetan part of western China. A riot had broken out in Qinghai’s Dari County incited by a “handful of people” alleged to be insurgent seeking “Tibetan independence” according to Chinese news sources. The supposed leader of Tibetan nationalists was approached by police officers when he fired, killing the policeman. In the ensuing exchange of gunfire, the supsect was killed.

Since outbreaks of violence in Tibet, there have been riots in many areas of China containing large numbers of Tibetans. The Chinese government has admitted jailing supsects and then sentencing them to prison terms ranging from a few to several years. This has only accentuated feelings against the Chinese government.

The Dalai Lama must be engaged in dialogue which would result in recognizing the cultural values of Tibetans while still including Tibet within the framework of the Chinese republic.